You have two more chances to experience Alley of Art and Walkabout Theatre for yourself on August 23rd and 30th. More info is available here.
Daily Herald article - Live theater comes to Elgin
7 years ago
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Alley of Art - Week 1
You have two more chances to experience Alley of Art and Walkabout Theatre for yourself on August 23rd and 30th. More info is available here.
Daily Herald article - Live theater comes to Elgin
BoriquaFest 2008
The music
The booths
The colors
The roasted pork
The drinks
Courier News article - Elgin fest celebrates all things Puerto Rican and photos
Friday, August 15, 2008
Downtown Blog is all in a Twitter
Now you can follow the Downtown Elgin blog using Twitter. Well that clears it up.
We will now Tweet whenever a new article is posted on the blog.
What?
Let me explain. Twitter, is a service that allows you to send short messages to people that follow you. Like status updates on Facebook. You can receive Twitter updates on your cell phone via SMS messages, on an iPhone app or on your computer using the web. If you are already into Twitter you can follow us at "downtownelgin". If you want to see what it is all about go to Twitter and sign up.
We will be tweeting about events and breaking news in addition to new blog posts.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Downtown Elgin Top 10 List - August 15, 2008
| Top 10 List |
1 - Harvest Market |
2 - Elgin Pub Crawl |
3 - Boriqua Fest |
4 - Theater & Art |
5 - Sidewalk Sales |
6 - Chicago Bandits |
7 - Library Card Sign-Up |
8 - DNA Gala |
9 - Brown Bag |
10 - Comedy |
Click to view details
Click here to have the Top 10 List delivered to you every week. All those who sign up in August will be placed in a drawing to win a $10 gift card from Ravenheart Coffee.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Bike Clinic at Harvest Market
A bike clinic was held at Harvest Market in conjunction with Bike-to-Work Week in Elgin.
Stephan Pickett from the Bicycle Garage in East Dundee explains the basics of maintaining your bike.
About 15 people stopped by to learn more about taking care of their bikes. Stephan pointed out that a bike is a machine, not a toy, treat it as such. As more and more people are using their bikes as an alternate form of transportation, the care and feeding of your machine takes on new meaning.
Stephan Pickett from the Bicycle Garage in East Dundee explains the basics of maintaining your bike.
About 15 people stopped by to learn more about taking care of their bikes. Stephan pointed out that a bike is a machine, not a toy, treat it as such. As more and more people are using their bikes as an alternate form of transportation, the care and feeding of your machine takes on new meaning.
A great weekend for Elgin
Elgin, you rock.
Last weekend’s Fox Fire Fest was a prime example of our city’s awesome potential.
The jam-packed line up of music, food, art, fun and fireworks in Festival Park brought an estimated 22,000 people into the downtown area over the course of the three-day event.
I, for one, was giddy on Saturday night looking over the sea of 10,000-plus people jamming to Blues Traveler. So giddy, in fact, that my claustrophobic tendencies weren’t even kicking in. And the streets and bars of downtown were still jamming long after the concert ended.
I saw the future of Downtown Elgin that night, and it was so cool.
I ran into quite a few fellow Elginites over the weekend, and the comment I kept hearing again and again was “Wow, I can’t believe this is Elgin.” Some people might take this is a slam. But I – the eternal optimist – took this as a great compliment. People are recognizing that things are changing, and they are excited and encouraged by what lies ahead.
On behalf of the City and the Downtown Neighborhood Association, I’d just like to say a big thanks to all who volunteered at and attended Fox Fire Fest, and a special thanks to those of you who brought friends and family along to experience Elgin.
And speaking of thanks, I also have to say a huge thanks to all those involved with the Elgin Cycling Classic in Lord’s Park on Sunday, August 3.
The committee’s decision to move the bike race out of downtown and into Lord’s Park in lieu of Fox Fire Fest and construction traffic turned out to be a great one. More than 200 cyclists from all over Northern Illinois and beyond competed in the race for more than $12,000 in cash prizes.
Cyclists and spectators alike enjoyed the course, and the air-conditioned Lord’s Park Pavilion was a welcome change from holding registration in a stuffy parking garage in previous years.
I have to admit that I was surprised at how exciting a criterium-style bike race can be, and it has nothing to do with bike shorts. Okay, maybe it has a little to do with bike shorts. But seriously, I can now call myself a cycling fan. And if I didn’t look ridiculous in the helmet, I would even take up the sport.
The Elgin Cycling Classic would not have been possible without the help and support of the residents in the Lord’s Park neighborhood and the congregation of El Mesias United Methodist Church. Thank you for being so accommodating about the closed streets and the detours.
Though I am always proud to call Elgin home, I was bursting with pride last weekend with all the exciting things happening here. And there is so much more to come.
Grab your shades, people. Our city’s future is looking really bright.
Last weekend’s Fox Fire Fest was a prime example of our city’s awesome potential.
The jam-packed line up of music, food, art, fun and fireworks in Festival Park brought an estimated 22,000 people into the downtown area over the course of the three-day event.
I, for one, was giddy on Saturday night looking over the sea of 10,000-plus people jamming to Blues Traveler. So giddy, in fact, that my claustrophobic tendencies weren’t even kicking in. And the streets and bars of downtown were still jamming long after the concert ended.
I saw the future of Downtown Elgin that night, and it was so cool.
I ran into quite a few fellow Elginites over the weekend, and the comment I kept hearing again and again was “Wow, I can’t believe this is Elgin.” Some people might take this is a slam. But I – the eternal optimist – took this as a great compliment. People are recognizing that things are changing, and they are excited and encouraged by what lies ahead.
On behalf of the City and the Downtown Neighborhood Association, I’d just like to say a big thanks to all who volunteered at and attended Fox Fire Fest, and a special thanks to those of you who brought friends and family along to experience Elgin.
And speaking of thanks, I also have to say a huge thanks to all those involved with the Elgin Cycling Classic in Lord’s Park on Sunday, August 3.
The committee’s decision to move the bike race out of downtown and into Lord’s Park in lieu of Fox Fire Fest and construction traffic turned out to be a great one. More than 200 cyclists from all over Northern Illinois and beyond competed in the race for more than $12,000 in cash prizes.
Cyclists and spectators alike enjoyed the course, and the air-conditioned Lord’s Park Pavilion was a welcome change from holding registration in a stuffy parking garage in previous years.
I have to admit that I was surprised at how exciting a criterium-style bike race can be, and it has nothing to do with bike shorts. Okay, maybe it has a little to do with bike shorts. But seriously, I can now call myself a cycling fan. And if I didn’t look ridiculous in the helmet, I would even take up the sport.
The Elgin Cycling Classic would not have been possible without the help and support of the residents in the Lord’s Park neighborhood and the congregation of El Mesias United Methodist Church. Thank you for being so accommodating about the closed streets and the detours.
Though I am always proud to call Elgin home, I was bursting with pride last weekend with all the exciting things happening here. And there is so much more to come.
Grab your shades, people. Our city’s future is looking really bright.
Downtown Elgin Top 10 List - August 6, 2008
Click here to have the Top 10 List delivered to you every week. All those who sign up in August will be placed in a drawing to win a $10 gift card from Ravenheart Coffee.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Elgin Cycling Classic 2008
I got to enjoy Sunday morning in the Lords Park neighborhood volunteering as a corner marshal. It was a beautiful day for bike racing through the hills and turns of the tree lined streets.
UPDATE: Newspaper links
Frenzied finish in Elgin Cycling Classic - The Courier News
Photo Gallery - The Courier News
Wisconsin man wins Elgin Cycling Classic - Daily Herald
UPDATE: Newspaper links
Frenzied finish in Elgin Cycling Classic - The Courier News
Photo Gallery - The Courier News
Wisconsin man wins Elgin Cycling Classic - Daily Herald
The Master Men 40/50 race is about to start.
The Master Men's race in progress.
Councilman John Steffen in the center during the Cat 5 race.
Bob Mihelich of Elgin is cooling off after his first bike race. Fans, Erin and Reed found a shady spot to cheer him on.
Sgt. Glenn Theriault was busy checking on the corner marshals and keeping us supplied with water while supervising the route.
The race is possible because of the efforts of volunteers and the generosity of the sponsors:
Sherman Health
The City of Elgin
Cla-Val
Fox Valley Endodontic Specialists, Dr. Cindy Rauschenberger
TranSystems
YWCA
Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin
Saturday, August 02, 2008
"Elginpalooza" aka FoxFireFest
Mayor Ed Schock and council members Figueroa, Kaptain, Powers and Steffen opened up FoxFireFest and introduced the Elgin Symphony Orchestra (ESO). Maestro Hanson adapted to the urban environment of Festival Park by selecting western themed music and adding a harmonica which blended perfectly with the occasional whisles and rumbling of the nearby trains. The performance included the theme from the TV show The Wild Wild West and the William Tell Overture. I was heading back to my seat during the overture and had the urge to gallop, but resisted.
Spotted in the crowd was former ESO Executive Director, Michael Pastreich and new U46 Superintendent, Dr. Jose Torres. OK, I'll stop now, I don't want to scoop Betty Brown.
It's not too late to enjoy it yourself. Saturday features Starship and Blues Traveler with more fireworks and Sister Hazel will perform on Sunday. There is much more, just click here for the details FoxFireFest. Don't forget FoxFireFest is FREE!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
FoxFireFest - August 1 - 3, 2008
FoxFireFest, as the name implies, is an event focused around the glow of fire on the water, including a mystical night-time fire and light show on the river, accompanied by unique theatre, art, dance and musical performers.
August 1 - 3, 2008
FREE - More info here>
Friday 5 pm to 10 pm
Saturday 12 pm to 11 pm
Sunday 12 pm to 9 pm
Festival Park
136 South Grove Ave
Downtown Elgin
Free parking
or ride your bike and use the free bike corral.
Entertainment
Friday
6:00 pm Elgin O.P.E.R.A.
7:30 pm Elgin Symphony Orchestra (ESO)
9:30 pm Fireworks
Saturday
12 - 4 pm Childrens Activities
4 - 8 pm Teen Activities
6:00 pm Starship
8:00 pm Blues Traveler
10:30 pm Fireworks
Sunday
12 - 4 pm Childrens Activities
3:30 pm Elevation
5:30 pm Sister Hazel
AAUW Art Showcase
Saturday 12 - 6 pm
Sunday 12 - 5 pm
Elgin Cycling Classic
Sunday, 8 am - 5 pm in the Lords Park neighborhood
Food Vendors
Chinese Wok, (840 Summit Street, Elgin) -Combo Fried Rice, Egg Roll, Beef Teriyaki and Crab Rangoon
Dairy Queen, (1022 S. McLean Blvd, Elgin) - Blizzards, Ice Cream Bars, Lemon Chill Cups, Chocolate Bananas
Maui Wowi, (2310 Fairfax Rd., Elgin)- Fresh Fruit Smoothies, Hawaiian Coffee Smoothie
Jethro's, (9911 N. Clark, Richmond, IL)- Funnel Cakes, Curly Chips w/Cheese, Deep Fried Oreos & Twinkies
White Cottage Pizza, (220 S. Randall Rd., Elgin, IL)- Sausage Pizza, Cheese Pizza, Bread Sticks w/ Garlic Cheese
Casa Lara (previously Jalapeno's), ( 7 Clock Tower Plaza, Elgin)- Tacos, Quesadillas, Flautas
JJ's Chicken & Fish, (79 Clock Tower Plaza, Elgin)-Chicken Wings, Ribs, Pulled Pork Sandwich
Gasthaus Zur Linde, (15 N Grove, Elgin)- Bratwurst, Thuringer, Corn on the Cob
Big Sammy's Hot Dogs, ( 2490 Bushwood Drive, Elgin)- Hot Dogs, Bag of Chips
Elgin Public House (219 E. Chicago St., Elgin)- Hamburger/Cheesburger, Veggie Burger, Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Lucky's Bar and Grill, (335 N. McLean Blvd., S. Elgin)-Nachos Grande, Italian Beef Sandwich, Italian Sausage Sandwich
Victors Grill, (6235 N. Keystone, Chicago) -Shish-k-bob, Gyros, Polish Sausage
Sloppy Joe's, (210 Penny Ave, Unit D, Dundee, IL)- Sloppy Joe's, Chocolate Chip Cookies
JC's Barbecue, (116 Penny Ave., East Dundee, IL) - BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwich, ½ Smoked BBQ Chicken, Pupusas
FoxFireFest incorporates the best elements of the previous Fine Arts Fest, but has expanded to showcase the wide variety of cultural amenities and performing arts groups centered in the Elgin area, with two stages offering non-stop entertainment. The food and beverage area will also feature an eclectic mix for all ages, including a beer garden.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Elgin Community Network (ECN) Unveils Website
The Elgin Community Network (ECN) has a website at www.elgin-ecn.org
The site was created by Sensory Productions, a local firm.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Downtown Elgin Top 10 List - July 11, 2008
Downtown Elgin Top 10 List - July 11, 2008
1 - Tutor Training
2 - "Eroica"
3 - Museum Events
4 - Saving the Earth
5 - Opportunities
6 - Harvest Market
7 - July Sale
8 - HAIR
9 - Sell Your Art
10 - Networking Event
Click to view details.
2 - "Eroica"
3 - Museum Events
4 - Saving the Earth
5 - Opportunities
6 - Harvest Market
7 - July Sale
8 - HAIR
9 - Sell Your Art
10 - Networking Event
Click to view details.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Downtown Elgin Top 10 List - July 4, 2008
Downtown Elgin Top 10 List - July 4, 2008
1 - 4th of July Parade
2 - 4th of July Fireworks
3 - "Eroica"
4 - Harvest Market
5 - Elgin Opera
6 - Hemmens Tickets
7 - Library Events
8 - Open Mike Night
9 - Opportunities
10 - Construction
Click to view details.
1 - 4th of July Parade
2 - 4th of July Fireworks
3 - "Eroica"
4 - Harvest Market
5 - Elgin Opera
6 - Hemmens Tickets
7 - Library Events
8 - Open Mike Night
9 - Opportunities
10 - Construction
Click to view details.
Elgin Fourth of July Parade
The parade is over but you can read about it, watch a video and see last years photos below.
City of Elgin video
UPDATE
Monday, June 30, 2008
2007 vs. 2008 Stats for DNA Website
This is great!!
Just think what the summer months probably had for hits with all of the events going on in Downtown Elgin!
Slow Global Warming Heads to the Market
This coming week Slow Global Warming-Elgin group will be joining the Harvest Market on Thursday, July 3rd, 10am – 2pm, giving away CFL light bulbs from Com Ed and other freebies. This group formed two years ago as a small group of Elginites, which met after seeing Al Gore’s "An Inconvenient Truth". They voiced their concerns about the drastic climate change shifts happening everywhere in the world, including here in the Fox Valley. While the problem seemed overwhelming- they realized that change could be made - one person at a time. That core group has now expanded to over 100 & partnered with the City of Elgin, Elgin Community Network, Gail Borden Library & the Grand Victoria Foundation over the past year on various events. Their motto is THINK GLOBAL - ACT LOCAL. Many helpful tips are found in their "Elgin Greensheet" which has been requested as a model for other communities. Monthly happenings can be viewed on their website at www.slowglobalwarming-elgin.com.
Highlighted Harvest Market Vendor of the Week: Breadsmith
Guy Grenfeld bought Breadsmith in Geneva two years ago. The past owners had already been going to farmer’s markets so Guy kept the tradition going to 6 markets a week. His staff brings muffins, scones, honey white breads, wheat breads, sweet breads, Italian breads, and more to the hungry passer bys and employees of Downtown Elgin. They even do custom breads around the holidays like turkey shaped bread for Thanksgiving and Christmas tree shaped bread around Christmas. They even do custom orders. When asked his favorite kind of bread, Guy answered the Maple Walnut and the English muffins. Guy’s background was a pastry chef, having been trained & receiving his degree at Elgin Community College and before that grew up in Tel Aviv, Israel. When asked if he will open a Breadsmith in Downtown Elgin, Guy just smiled his easy smile and said he “Doesn’t know yet”. So for now take advantage of his local location at the Elgin Harvest Market.
The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market is held every Thursday, now through September 25, featuring everything from fruits, vegetables, bunch flowers, delicious jams, healthy gourmet dog treats, bread, pies, muffins and scones, to free range meats and eggs, cheese, pickles, and olive oil all displayed in an open-air market like venue. Later in the summer be prepared for spices, seafood, Asian produce, more plants and that market favorite Mirai corn! The market is held at the Civic Center parking lot at the corner of E. Highland and Douglas Avenue, near the Post office and City Hall, and is open 10am - 6pm.
The public is invited to enjoy a great season right in the heart of our community. All merchants interested in an application for the 2008 season or to be there on a weekly basis can call the Downtown Neighborhood Association at 847.488.1456, go to www.downtownelgin.org, or stop by the office on the first floor of the Elgin Tower Building, at 2 Douglas Avenue in Downtown Elgin.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Out to Lunch - Villa Verone
Monday, June 30, 12 Noon
Villa Verone, 13 Douglas Avenue
Out to Lunch with an Italian buffet(Caprese and Penne Primavera). The dessert is Lemon Ice and non-alcoholic beverages are included, all for the cost of $8.50, DNA board member Karin Jones is the guest speaker. To RSVP call 847.488.1456 or e-mail jbenson@elginil.org
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Fourth of July Parade and Concert
Friday, July 4th at 9 am
Starting at the corner of Douglas and Slade and ending at Douglas and Highland. Click here for a map.
We're celebrating the "Red, White and BLUES" Abraham Lincoln style for this year's 4th of July Parade through Downtown Elgin.
The parade is quickly becoming one of the best in the 'burbs! More than 15,000 spectators come out to see the variety of entertainment and decorated floats and to show their community pride!
The parade will feature our Grand Marshall, Tammy Duckworth, Director of the Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs, plus a special tribute to our veterans, and much more.
Honest Abe's Rockin' Blues ConcertElgin's July 4th celebration doesn't end when the last float passes the finish line - it's just getting started! Join us for a free, family-friendly Blues concert in the Civic Center Parking Lot featuring The Blooze Brothers, AC Rock and the Midway Ramblers Cajun Band from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Downtown Elgin will be open for business
Plan to get a bite to eat and check out some of our new shops.
Ravenheart Coffee - Try a Boilermaker
176 E. Chicago St.
Elgin Public House - Burgers Mmmm
219 E. Chicago St.
Quizno's Subs - Toasty
59 Douglas Ave.
Villa Verone - That's Italian
13 Douglas Ave.
Al's Cafe & Creamery - Chocolate Malt
43 DuPage Ct.
El Faro - Burrito
9 N. State St.
Camaroncito Loco - Seafood
21 N. State St.
Spanky's Gyros - Cheeseburger Cheeseburger
51 Clock Tower Plaza
Razor's Edge - Social Center
55 Douglas Ave.
Lily Falls Gift Boutique - Perfect Petzzz
10 Douglas Ave.
Use the interactive map to plan your day.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Downtown Elgin Top 10 List - June 27 - July 6, 2008
Downtown Elgin Top 10 List - June 27 - July 6, 2008
1 - Free Ice Cream
2 - Harvest Market
3 - Summer Workshop
4 - Out to Lunch
5 - WANTED: Artists
6 - Opportunities
7 - Yoga Discounts
8 - "Eroica"
9 - 4th of July Events
10 - Construction
Click to view details.
1 - Free Ice Cream
2 - Harvest Market
3 - Summer Workshop
4 - Out to Lunch
5 - WANTED: Artists
6 - Opportunities
7 - Yoga Discounts
8 - "Eroica"
9 - 4th of July Events
10 - Construction
Click to view details.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Downtown Elgin Streetscape Phase 2
We are in year two of a six year City of Elgin program to replace the water mains, separate sanitary and storm sewers and install new sidewalks, curbs and street resurfacing throughout downtown Elgin.
Phase 2 consists of the following areas:
Chicago St. from Riverside Drive to Villa St.
Grove from Highland to just south of Chicago St.
Spring St. from Chicago to Highland
and Douglas from Chicago St. to the alley north of Chicago.
Construction will be completed in 7 stages starting June 23rd, each lasting approximately 3 weeks, with final completion scheduled for Thanksgiving of 2008.
Stages
1. South side of Chicago Street - Riverside Drive to S. Grove Ave.; west side of S. Grove around Fountain Square Plaza.
2. East side of S. Grove Avenue (from alleyway); south side of Chicago Street – S. Grove to Spring Street; west side of Spring Street.
3. East side of Spring Street; south side of Chicago Street - Spring Street to Villa Court.
4. North side of Chicago Street – Riverside Drive to north Grove; west side of north Grove Avenue.
5. East side of north Grove Avenue; north side of Chicago – south Grove to Douglas Avenue; west side of Douglas Avenue.
6. East side of Douglas; north side of Chicago – Douglas Avenue to Spring Street; west side of Spring Street.
7. East side of Spring Street; north side of Chicago – Spring Street to Villa Court (Center Street).
This is the result from Phase 1
Please visit downtownelgin.info for project details. Click here to view the blog posts related to the project.
Phase 2 consists of the following areas:
Chicago St. from Riverside Drive to Villa St.
Grove from Highland to just south of Chicago St.
Spring St. from Chicago to Highland
and Douglas from Chicago St. to the alley north of Chicago.
Construction will be completed in 7 stages starting June 23rd, each lasting approximately 3 weeks, with final completion scheduled for Thanksgiving of 2008.Stages
1. South side of Chicago Street - Riverside Drive to S. Grove Ave.; west side of S. Grove around Fountain Square Plaza.
2. East side of S. Grove Avenue (from alleyway); south side of Chicago Street – S. Grove to Spring Street; west side of Spring Street.
3. East side of Spring Street; south side of Chicago Street - Spring Street to Villa Court.
4. North side of Chicago Street – Riverside Drive to north Grove; west side of north Grove Avenue.
5. East side of north Grove Avenue; north side of Chicago – south Grove to Douglas Avenue; west side of Douglas Avenue.
6. East side of Douglas; north side of Chicago – Douglas Avenue to Spring Street; west side of Spring Street.
7. East side of Spring Street; north side of Chicago – Spring Street to Villa Court (Center Street).
This is the result from Phase 1
Please visit downtownelgin.info for project details. Click here to view the blog posts related to the project.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Fox River Festival of Balloons
Here is a video and article from the Courier News.
It was a great evening at Festival Park benefiting the Community Crisis Center. The families and kids enjoyed the train, fountain, fire truck and balloons. I sat back and enjoyed the food, beer, steel drum band, hot air balloons and conversations with friends. We arrived too late to see the bed races and the other entertainment. Article from the Daily Herald.
It was a great evening at Festival Park benefiting the Community Crisis Center. The families and kids enjoyed the train, fountain, fire truck and balloons. I sat back and enjoyed the food, beer, steel drum band, hot air balloons and conversations with friends. We arrived too late to see the bed races and the other entertainment. Article from the Daily Herald.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Fox River in Elgin
Bike path under the Highland Ave. bridge.
View from the south side of the Highland bridge.
Walton Island
The flag sculpture at the north end of Walton Island.A low quality video of the power of the water coming over the Kimball Street Dam. I didn't think a still shot would do this justice so I used the video mode.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Downtown Mixer
Thursday, June 19, 5pm - 7pm
Martini Room, 161 E. Chicago St.
Join us after work this Thursday, as we celebrate David A. Noyes & Co.'s 100th anniversary at a swanky new networking scene in Downtown Elgin! Grab a few friends and come down to the Martini Room for some casual mingling, free noshing, "speed networking", inspired drink specials at the cash bar, and great raffle prizes, including a Palm Z22! The drawing will be at 6:30pm and you must be present to win:) For more info call 847.488.1456.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Cycling in the News
As gas prices go up, so do the number of cyclists.
Recent news:
Mayors’ Conference to consider biking resolution from Planning Livable Communities
Bicycling in the news... from Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space
Barrington Hills cracking down on cyclists from Daily Herald
Plans are underway for a Bike to Work Week in Elgin. It is scheduled for August 4th through the 8th and follows FoxFireFest and the Elgin Cycling Classic. Everyone is encouraged to ride their bikes to the fest where the Elgin Community Network(ECN) sponsors a bike corral.
Remember to obey the rules of the road and please wear a helmet, Lt. Bob Bedard of the Elgin Fire Department demonstrates what can happen when you don't on Elgin Today at 6:35 into the segment. Here is a link to the League of Illinois Bicyclists for more safety tips.
You don't have to wait until August to use your bike as a means of transportation. Take a ride down to Harvest Market on Thursdays from 10 am to 6 pm. Ride downtown for lunch, coffee or a visit to the post office. Use the downtown map for other ideas.
So pump up the tires, grease the chain and wipe the cobwebs off. It's time to save some gas, get some exercise and enjoy the community.
Recent news:
Mayors’ Conference to consider biking resolution from Planning Livable Communities
Bicycling in the news... from Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space
Barrington Hills cracking down on cyclists from Daily Herald
Plans are underway for a Bike to Work Week in Elgin. It is scheduled for August 4th through the 8th and follows FoxFireFest and the Elgin Cycling Classic. Everyone is encouraged to ride their bikes to the fest where the Elgin Community Network(ECN) sponsors a bike corral.
Remember to obey the rules of the road and please wear a helmet, Lt. Bob Bedard of the Elgin Fire Department demonstrates what can happen when you don't on Elgin Today at 6:35 into the segment. Here is a link to the League of Illinois Bicyclists for more safety tips.
You don't have to wait until August to use your bike as a means of transportation. Take a ride down to Harvest Market on Thursdays from 10 am to 6 pm. Ride downtown for lunch, coffee or a visit to the post office. Use the downtown map for other ideas.
So pump up the tires, grease the chain and wipe the cobwebs off. It's time to save some gas, get some exercise and enjoy the community.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
A Flickr Timeline of Downtown Elgin
Check out this mashup of Flickr called Tickr.
This is an embedded version using "downtown elgin il" as the search phrase.
You can view the results above in four ways.
Timeline, List View, Flipbook or Map View.
The Flipbook is like Coverflow, you can click on the stacked images on the sides to flip through the collection.
Try your own searches here.
This is an embedded version using "downtown elgin il" as the search phrase.
You can view the results above in four ways.
Timeline, List View, Flipbook or Map View.
The Flipbook is like Coverflow, you can click on the stacked images on the sides to flip through the collection.
Try your own searches here.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
"Green" Bags & CFL Bulbs at Harvest Market
The City of Elgin will be giving away 200 "Green Bags" and energy efficient CFL light bulbs to Harvest Market customers on Thursday, June 12th from 10 am to 6 pm. Harvest Market is in the Civic Center parking lot at the corner of Highland and Douglas in downtown Elgin. You can purchase an assortment of fruits, vegetables, flowers, delicious jams, healthy gourmet dog treats, bread, pies, muffins and scones, free range meats and eggs, cheese, pickles, and olive oil.
UPDATE
Pics of the bag, CFL bulb, Cheddar Jalapeño bread and the bag tag.
Go to www.cityofelgin.org/green to find out more about the city's green efforts.
The 250 bags ran out at 1pm. Everyone that received one can return next week and use it to carry their purchases home.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Downtown Elgin Pub Crawl and American Pie
I will give you a couple clues to guess who it is. If you aren’t under the age of 30, you may want to phone a friend, or your kids, on this one.
Okay, clue number one: He played “Kevin” in the American Pie films in the late 1990’s/early 2000’s. If you don’t know him as Kevin, you might know him as the kid who made out with Tara Reid in the film. Eeeww.
Clue number two: He played Henry Rowengartner, a pre-pubescent kid turned professional pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, in the film Rookie of the Year, released in 1993.
And clue number three: At the age of 12, I was convinced that he was the man I was going to marry. That doesn’t really help you, but I feel better now that I have confessed that to someone.
Give up? It’s Thomas Ian Nicholas. If you don’t know him by name, Google him. You would probably recognize his face.
Thomas will be hanging out in Downtown Elgin in August – not as an actor but as a musician. First, he and his band will be opening for Starship and Blues Traveler at Fox Fire Fest on August 2. Then, he will be hosting and playing the Downtown Elgin Pub Crawl on August 15.
Why would Thomas Ian Nicholas, the “Kid in King Arthur’s Court,” even know or care to come to Downtown Elgin anyway, you ask?
He and my husband are actually good friends, which is totally weird for me, for reasons I have already explained.
I actually haven’t met him in person yet. But when I do, I told my husband not to look at me because I will get really embarrassed, which will make me do my “nervous laugh,” which will almost definitely lead to a snort – and that would be utterly mortifying.
But you can meet Thomas up close and personal if you come to the Downtown Elgin Pub Crawl on August 15. He’ll kick off the event with a short outdoor concert in DuPage Court near Al’s Café and hang out with the “crawlers” as they make their way around Downtown Elgin, stopping at Gasthaus, Martini Room, Elgin Public House, Prairie Rock, Villa Verone and La Puesta del Sol. Thomas will close the night out with a full concert at Medusa’s (a.k.a. The Mission for you 30-somethings) where crawlers can win great raffle prizes, including a Harley Davidson XL 1200N Sportster. Sweet.
The Elgin Pub Crawl is organized by Geoffrey Sands from Medusa’s and the Elgin Jaycees and proceeds benefit Little Angels, the Elgin Police Torch Fund and Children’s Theatre of Elgin. Tickets are $20 and are on sale now at most Downtown Elgin businesses and festivals, including Prairie Rock’s Brewfest this weekend in Festival Park.
To learn more about the Pub Crawl visit http://www.elginpubcrawl.com/. To learn more about Thomas, visit http://www.thomasiannicholas.com/.
And for all you ladies with lingering Thomas Ian Nicholas crushes, before you come out to the Pub Crawl, visit http://www.djcolette.com/ to learn all about Thomas’ super hot Chicago DJ wife – DJ Colette.
Shop Green at Downtown Elgin’s Harvest Market This Thursday
In the City of Elgin, “green” is the new black.
Our city’s vehicle fleet is flanked with hybrid cars. Our streetlamps are running on LED bulbs. The new Sherman Hospital will be heated and cooled by a geothermal lake. Judson University is home to one of the most environmentally-sound academic buildings in North America.
And beginning June 12, you can shop “green” every Thursday at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market.
Shopping at a local farmers market is an easy way to start living a more “green” and sustainable lifestyle. Not only are you supporting local farmers and preserving precious farmland, but most of the produce and other items are grown organically without those nasty pesticides, antibiotics and hormones.
One of the favorite vendors at Downtown Elgin’s Harvest Market is Gloria’s Gourmet Meat & Eggs. Gloria and her husband Don Hoffer have a farm in Compton, IL where they raise antibiotic- and hormone-free cattle, pigs, and chickens, as well as a set of healthy, six-month old twins named Nicholas and Katherine.
It’s a pretty amazing thing these days to buy a pound of meat from the person who actually raised it.
The first farmers market started back in 1934 on a dirt lot in Los Angeles when a handful of farmers came together to sell their homegrown wares out of the backs of their pick-up trucks. Elgin’s market hasn’t strayed much from that tradition – except the dirt lot is an asphalt parking lot and the department of public health is a little more stringent on its policies. Thank goodness.
Downtown Elgin’s Harvest Market has a great variety of locally grown and produced offerings – from fruits and veggies to multigrain breads to pickles, olive oil, cheese, fresh-cut flowers and even organic dog treats. Hey, even dogs need to eat “green” – your lawn will thank you.
Each market day we will also host an educational or entertainment group with activities related to “green” and healthy living. We are also planning chef demonstrations showing meal that can be made with market products. Details about what is happening when will be available soon at DowntownElgin.com.
The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market runs June 12 through September 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Civic Parking Lot near City Hall at Douglas and Highland Avenues. And while you are there, be “green” and take a walk around the Downtown to see how its changing.
Our city’s vehicle fleet is flanked with hybrid cars. Our streetlamps are running on LED bulbs. The new Sherman Hospital will be heated and cooled by a geothermal lake. Judson University is home to one of the most environmentally-sound academic buildings in North America.
And beginning June 12, you can shop “green” every Thursday at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market.
Shopping at a local farmers market is an easy way to start living a more “green” and sustainable lifestyle. Not only are you supporting local farmers and preserving precious farmland, but most of the produce and other items are grown organically without those nasty pesticides, antibiotics and hormones.
One of the favorite vendors at Downtown Elgin’s Harvest Market is Gloria’s Gourmet Meat & Eggs. Gloria and her husband Don Hoffer have a farm in Compton, IL where they raise antibiotic- and hormone-free cattle, pigs, and chickens, as well as a set of healthy, six-month old twins named Nicholas and Katherine.
It’s a pretty amazing thing these days to buy a pound of meat from the person who actually raised it.
The first farmers market started back in 1934 on a dirt lot in Los Angeles when a handful of farmers came together to sell their homegrown wares out of the backs of their pick-up trucks. Elgin’s market hasn’t strayed much from that tradition – except the dirt lot is an asphalt parking lot and the department of public health is a little more stringent on its policies. Thank goodness.
Downtown Elgin’s Harvest Market has a great variety of locally grown and produced offerings – from fruits and veggies to multigrain breads to pickles, olive oil, cheese, fresh-cut flowers and even organic dog treats. Hey, even dogs need to eat “green” – your lawn will thank you.
Each market day we will also host an educational or entertainment group with activities related to “green” and healthy living. We are also planning chef demonstrations showing meal that can be made with market products. Details about what is happening when will be available soon at DowntownElgin.com.
The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market runs June 12 through September 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Civic Parking Lot near City Hall at Douglas and Highland Avenues. And while you are there, be “green” and take a walk around the Downtown to see how its changing.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Amazin' Race 2008
The first Elgin Amazin' Race was a huge success. 19 teams and 100 people scrambled through downtown Elgin solving clues and performing feats of strength and knowledge. Five teams were turned away on Friday because of the 19 team limit. Sign up early next year.
The teams gather at the Elgin Public House waiting for their first clue.
We ran into Armand Young on our way to Festival Park. He has been walking for more than a year. He started the journey he calls, Bamboo the Walk, in Santa Monica, California, and plans to plant the bamboo shoot he carries with him at the former site of the World Trade Center in New York City. Click here for the Courier News article or here for the Life in Elgin post.
Here is the Kickstands Team fresh and ready to compete while waiting for the 1 pm start at Festival Park. Our first challenge was a water balloon toss where you had to successfully toss 10 balloons with a maximum of 30 tries. We were 10 for 10.
After a couple of other stops we found ourselves at The Centre and another challenge, the four-person ski run. This is teamwork.
The next challenge was at the Fountain Square condos. It was a welcome break to stay in air conditioned comfort while solving a Spiderman puzzle.
A couple more stops and we found ourselves at Al's Cafe. Dave volunteered to take one for the team and take the brain freeze challenge.
We finished around 4 pm and headed back to the Public House for dinner and refreshments. I was exhausted but had a great time, I think we traveled about 10 miles.
Link to photos from the Courier.
Article from the Courier News.
Article from the Daily Herald.
The teams gather at the Elgin Public House waiting for their first clue.
We ran into Armand Young on our way to Festival Park. He has been walking for more than a year. He started the journey he calls, Bamboo the Walk, in Santa Monica, California, and plans to plant the bamboo shoot he carries with him at the former site of the World Trade Center in New York City. Click here for the Courier News article or here for the Life in Elgin post.
Here is the Kickstands Team fresh and ready to compete while waiting for the 1 pm start at Festival Park. Our first challenge was a water balloon toss where you had to successfully toss 10 balloons with a maximum of 30 tries. We were 10 for 10.
After a couple of other stops we found ourselves at The Centre and another challenge, the four-person ski run. This is teamwork.
The next challenge was at the Fountain Square condos. It was a welcome break to stay in air conditioned comfort while solving a Spiderman puzzle.
A couple more stops and we found ourselves at Al's Cafe. Dave volunteered to take one for the team and take the brain freeze challenge.We finished around 4 pm and headed back to the Public House for dinner and refreshments. I was exhausted but had a great time, I think we traveled about 10 miles.
Link to photos from the Courier.
Article from the Courier News.
Article from the Daily Herald.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Calling All Artists
Artspace
Mark your calendar for July 24 at 7 p.m.
A public meeting with Artspace is scheduled in the Heritage Ballroom at the The Centre with details and updates on the progress of the project. More information on the Artspace project is available here and at www.artspaceusa.org.
Art Showcase 2008
A juried fine art & fine craft show, sponsored by the Elgin Area Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) in conjunction with FoxFireFest on August 2nd and 3rd in Festival Park.
An entry form and show details are available at www.aauwartshow.com
Alley of Art
The Elgin Cultural Arts Commission seeks artists to participate in the Alley of Art. The show is part of Walkabout: Theatre On Your Feet – a theatre walking tour throughout downtown Elgin.
Alley of Art will run on Saturday August 16, 23 and 30 from 1 to 4 at Du Page Court in downtown Elgin.
There will be a People’s Choice Award featuring a cash prize for Best in Show. All artworks are open for consideration. Please email a link to online portfolio or provide low resolution jpeg photos by July 1. They can be sent to elginarts@gmail.com.
For more information contact Sean Hargadon at 847-363-3573 or elginarts@gmail.com.
Mark your calendar for July 24 at 7 p.m.
A public meeting with Artspace is scheduled in the Heritage Ballroom at the The Centre with details and updates on the progress of the project. More information on the Artspace project is available here and at www.artspaceusa.org.
Art Showcase 2008
A juried fine art & fine craft show, sponsored by the Elgin Area Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) in conjunction with FoxFireFest on August 2nd and 3rd in Festival Park.
An entry form and show details are available at www.aauwartshow.com
Alley of Art
The Elgin Cultural Arts Commission seeks artists to participate in the Alley of Art. The show is part of Walkabout: Theatre On Your Feet – a theatre walking tour throughout downtown Elgin.
Alley of Art will run on Saturday August 16, 23 and 30 from 1 to 4 at Du Page Court in downtown Elgin.
There will be a People’s Choice Award featuring a cash prize for Best in Show. All artworks are open for consideration. Please email a link to online portfolio or provide low resolution jpeg photos by July 1. They can be sent to elginarts@gmail.com.
For more information contact Sean Hargadon at 847-363-3573 or elginarts@gmail.com.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Downtown Elgin in Detail
New satellite images of downtown Elgin are available from Google. Festival Park in great detail and other recent improvements. Explore and share your finds in comments.
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